THE TXBBA TEAM

THE TXBBA TEAM

Smiling man in a black TXBBA polo shirt inside a dojo

NICK PAHANISH

Founding Member

Nick Pahanish founded TX Black Belt Academy in 2004 with a vision to create more than just a martial arts school—a place where students could develop confidence, discipline, leadership, and lifelong success. A dedicated martial artist since 1996, Nick has spent decades studying, teaching, and refining his craft in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a husband, father, instructor, and entrepreneur, Nick has impacted thousands of students and families throughout Texas. His leadership has been instrumental in developing the systems, culture, and training methodologies that have helped TX Black Belt Academy grow into one of the region’s most respected martial arts organizations. Passionate about personal growth and leadership development, Nick remains committed to empowering students, instructors, and academy owners to reach their full potential both on and off the mats.

Smiling bearded man in a green jiu jitsu gi inside a training gym

ORLANDO WAUGH

Founding Member

Orlando Waugh has been dedicated to martial arts training since 1987, earning black belts in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A loving husband to Sarina Waugh and father of two, he founded the Waugh Jiu Jitsu in 2002. In 2021, he joined the TXBBA family and became a founding member of the TXBBA Franchise Group. One of his greatest joys is guiding students on their journey from white belt to black belt, and ultimately watching them evolve into successful professional martial artists.

Man in a blue Brazilian jiu-jitsu gi smiling at the camera.

DONNIE BEDORE

Founding Member

Mr. Bedore holds black belts in both Karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. A devoted husband to Celeena Bedore and father of three, he brings a wealth of experience from his years in martial arts and his professional background with major corporations like John Deere, Fleetwood RV, and Ancira RV. With over 25 years of expertise in marketing and management, Mr. Bedore co-founded the TXBBA Management Group alongside Mr. Pahanish. He left the corporate world to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams and to build a lasting legacy for his family in the martial arts industry.

Smiling woman in a blue jiu jitsu gi with a TXBBA patch

SARINA WAUGH

Founding Member

Sarina Waugh began her martial arts journey in 1994 and has since earned a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. As a dedicated wife to Orlando Waugh and mother of two, she brings a wealth of experience from her years in corporate finance and auditing with General Electric and American Airlines. In 2002, she co-founded the TX Self Defense Academy with her husband, and in 2021, she joined the TXBBA family, becoming a founding member of the TXBBA Franchise Group.

Smiling woman in a white gi and black belt by the TXBBA wall logo

CELEENA BEDORE

Founding Member

Celeena Bedore is a seasoned martial artist with over 14 years of experience, holding a 2nd degree black belt in karate and a black belt in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Beyond the dojo, Celeena is married to Donnie Bedore and is a mother of three. Celeena brings over a decade of business experience to the table, with significant expertise in franchising, particularly focused on empowering women in the industry. Her passion for martial arts is matched by her dedication to helping others succeed, whether in self-defense or business ventures.